New study identifies major expatriate concerns

A new study concentrating on expats’ main concerns has revealed expatriate professionals worry about their overall health far more than their counterparts in the home country.

Globally mobile expats on reassignment overseas not only worry more about their health but are unhappy about their work/life balance as it takes time from family considerations. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are another issue causing concern for those undergoing regular overseas business travel as well as those who’ve moved overseas as singles. The survey recommends employers should show more support for their mobile employees and suggests housing single expatriates in serviced apartments with shared social spaces.

Results of the study also weren’t good news for expatriates relocating overseas with their families in tow. A major concern is a lack of the time needed to care for children as well as ensuring they have a decent education. The problem for expat parents is far worse should their children be in boarding school due to their relocation. A majority of expatriates surveyed said they felt their employers had let them down in a number of ways, especially by not offering enough support and in not covering employees’ medical expenses.

All the 2,000 globally mobile expatriates who replied to the survey reported their worst worries centred around illness, with accidental injuries and cancer the most feared along with depression and mental illness. Overall, the survey’s findings painted a bleak picture of life as an expatriate overseas, rather than the glamorous, career-boosting experience it’s made out to be. Working practices are the main culprits affecting expat wellbeing, with loneliness, social isolation and the total lack of a support network the most damaging aspects of expat life.